Chapter 296 Project Cooperation, New Aerospace Materials

Time flies and it is the end of the year. Compared with the Riemann hypothesis being completely proven and the domestic mathematics community is in great glory, the aerospace field is under high pressure and a tense atmosphere permeates all departments.

Every aerospace worker tries to focus as much energy as possible on his work.

Working overtime all night has almost become the norm.

For everyone, achieving manned lunar landing within five years has become everyone's spiritual pursuit.

It must be completed successfully no matter what, to show the world what a great power's aerospace capabilities are.

Now, as time goes by, and the five-year deadline is getting closer and closer, it is impossible to say that there is no pressure in everyone's hearts.

After all, although the design of the new generation of spacecraft has been determined, it is not easy to successfully manufacture it and ensure that its actual performance meets expectations.

For example, different material strengths can cause huge changes in the performance of an aircraft.

These all need to be resolved.

Xu Yuan was appointed as the chief designer of the new generation of spacecraft, so he must take responsibility to the end.

Ensure that manned lunar landing can be achieved as soon as possible and fulfill the dream of countless Chinese people for thousands of years.

At the same time, show your skills and strength to the whole world.

2021 1 Month 13 Day.

Wednesday.

Space Technology Research Institute.

In the program demonstration meeting room, Xu Yuan sat down early, and next to him were two aerospace academicians, Chen Jianfang and He Luping.

Besides.

Several young researchers, including Xiao Xinbin, also gathered here.

We are attending today's special discussion meeting on the R&D and manufacturing of the domestically-produced new generation of spacecraft. We must come up with specific solutions to the current problems.

It is also worth mentioning that due to their age, Chen Jianfang and He Luping are approaching retirement.

If nothing goes wrong and the manned lunar landing project is a complete success, they will be able to retire and enjoy their later years with peace of mind.

Therefore, the institute intends to cultivate fresh blood so that it can continue to promote the development of domestic aerospace industry, establish a lunar research base, and even successfully land on Mars. For this reason, outstanding researchers in the institute, such as Xiao Xinbin, have been selected to participate in the current project.

Xu Yuan naturally had no objection to this. After all, no matter what field it was in, it could not do without the injection of fresh blood.

Chen Jianfang was speaking at this moment, pointing out the problems facing the current aircraft project.

"If we want to realize the manned lunar landing project, we must place higher demands on spacecraft."

"These mainly include launch vehicles and manned spacecraft, as well as the most important lunar lander, which are the guarantee for our astronauts to reach the moon and return safely."

"The design proposed by Chief Designer Xu has already been officially finalized by the institute."

"But the aerospace materials we currently use may not be enough to guarantee the performance of the next generation of spacecraft."

As Chen Jianfang finished speaking, before anyone else could speak, He Luping on the opposite side took over the conversation and echoed it.

"Academician Chen is right. We must comprehensively upgrade existing aerospace materials."

"Otherwise, it would be like a good cook without rice, but she can't cook."

“It is simply impossible to manufacture the planned new generation of spacecraft.”

Both He Luping and Chen Jianfang had bad expressions on their faces, and it was obvious that they looked solemn.

Xu Yuan was originally responsible for the design of the new generation of spacecraft, and the progress in this regard was quite smooth.

They have all entered the specific R&D, production and manufacturing stage.

By then, as long as these aircraft are manufactured, we can officially start preparing for the manned lunar landing project.

Complete the moon landing ahead of the predicted time.

Give the world a shock.

It was only after the actual manufacturing began that we realized the problems faced by existing aerospace materials.

It is simply not enough to fully utilize the spacecraft's performance.

Theoretically, it is impossible to achieve the corresponding values ​​in those plans.

For example, the rocket's takeoff thrust and Earth-Moon transfer orbit carrying capacity must not be less than a certain value.

If a new generation of spacecraft with such performance were to rashly carry out a manned lunar landing project, sudden space accidents would easily occur and the safety of the astronauts would not be guaranteed.

This is absolutely unacceptable to anyone.

Manned lunar landing is not only to realize a dream, but also to demonstrate the strength of a great country.

It can even bring the same good deterrence to the world as the Dongfeng hypersonic missile.

Therefore, there can only be one outcome for this project, and that is complete success.

Because of this, they held an emergency meeting, hoping to come up with a response plan as soon as possible.

It seems that there are still more than three years before the announcement, but in fact, there is not much time left for them.

After all, even if the new generation of spacecraft is manufactured, it will still take a long time to arrange everything from preparations to astronauts landing on the moon.

Ever since the test launch of the Dongfeng hypersonic missile, overseas parties have become increasingly wary.

Even in the academic field of mathematics, there is competition.

Obviously, they do not want to see the country's influence in the world increase.

In this case, it will be even more impossible for the aerospace field to be peaceful.

That is to say, the overseas moon landing plan has been delayed, and Musk's Space Exploration Technologies Company is focusing its main energy on the development of starship, which makes the situation seem relatively calm.

But one thing is certain: as long as the country does not carry out manned lunar landing within the expected time, it will definitely be used as an excuse by overseas countries.

Even attack.

Xu Yuan was of course aware of the issues that Chen Jianfang and He Luping were worried about. After all, he had thought about them when he designed the plan.

However, he has enough confidence in himself to develop aerospace materials with better performance.

This will ensure the production of the new generation of spacecraft.

All I can say is that materials are what he is best at.

But at this time, he did not respond directly, but continued to think.

But his eyes moved on the faces of the young researchers present.

Would like to hear other people's ideas.

He did not forget that Chen Jianfang and He Luping asked them to attend the meeting for training purposes.

Sure enough, after noticing Xu Yuan's eyes, everyone's lips moved as they were eager to try.

It seemed like he wanted to perform well in front of Xu Yuan.

In the end, Xiao Xinbin spoke first, speaking out the words that he had quickly organized in his mind.

"Chief Designer Xu."

He greeted Xu Yuan first, then answered what Chen Jianfang and He Luping had just said:

"Dean Chen and Dean He, I think we must not be careless when it comes to aerospace materials."

"We should now actively cooperate with domestic material laboratories to develop new aerospace materials that can be used in the next generation of spacecraft as soon as possible to ensure that our spacecraft can successfully achieve its goals."

"Based on the current situation, I think there is still ample time left."

Xiao Xinbin had naturally seen the design of the Long March 10, the Mengzhou manned spacecraft, and the Lanyue lunar lander. He was shocked by the country's new generation of spacecraft and had 100% confidence in its performance in all aspects.

Especially after knowing that the design plan of the new generation of spacecraft was optimized and completed with the participation of Xu Yuan.

What is lacking right now is only the upgrade of aerospace materials.

Everyone listened to Xiao Xinbin's words and expressed their agreement with this point of view.

To sum it up simply, even if we suspend the manufacturing of the new generation of spacecraft, we must first solve the problem of upgrading aerospace materials.

The original materials cannot be used for production.

This may allow the rocket to be launched successfully, but the hidden dangers are huge.

Even the slightest problem might lead to a space accident.

You should know that looking at the launch missions in the global aerospace field, there are many tragic accidents, even including the heroic sacrifice of outstanding astronauts. It will also cause a heavy blow to the development of the aerospace industry, and the consequences can definitely be described as very serious.

Chen Jianfang and He Luping smiled at each other, first raised their hands to signal Xiao Xinbin to sit down, and then continued talking with smiles on their faces.

"Xiao Xiao is right. The issue of aerospace materials cannot be ignored. Even if time is really running out, we must ensure the safety of the moon landing."

Done.

The voice just fell.

Chen Jianfang turned his gaze to Xu Yuan and called out his name.

"Our Chief Designer Xu, it's your turn to express your opinion on this matter."

"I know that in addition to being a mathematician and aerospace talent, you are also excellent in research in the field of materials."

"Tell us all about it."

Although he was indirectly praising Xu Yuan, he couldn't hide the joy that came from the bottom of his heart on his face.

It’s like I’m telling everyone, you see, such an outstanding person is my son-in-law.

Xu Yuan naturally didn't know whether to laugh or cry when he heard this. He didn't expect Chen Jianfang to have such a childish side. But facing his father-in-law, he really had no choice but to indulge him.

So he didn't waste any more time and gave a positive answer directly.

"Regarding the research work on new aerospace materials needed for our new generation of spacecraft, let me be responsible for solving this matter."

There was no dragging of words and the tone was full of confidence.

Chen Jianfang, who originally trusted Xu Yuan very much, was stunned when he heard this.

Subconsciously, I asked, "Are you sure?"

"If it's just upgrading the existing aerospace materials, I think I'm confident." Xu Yuan nodded in the affirmative.

He wasn't just saying this.

The current level of research and development of aerospace materials is not lower than that of overseas.

Relying on the panel progress bar and by adding material replacement optimization, it is indeed not a difficult task to develop new materials based on the original aerospace materials.

Moreover, it is only necessary that the material properties can meet the requirements of the new generation of spacecraft.

Chen Jianfang knew Xu Yuan's character very well. His greatest strength was that he would never promise anything he couldn't do.

Since you can say it, it proves that you are confident in your heart.

In particular, I recall Xu Yuan’s achievements in the field of materials, including his mastery of domestic high-performance carbon fiber composite material technology and his achievement of cost reduction and efficiency improvement of gallium nitride materials.

These were obviously very difficult tasks, but in his hands they seemed to be done very easily and quickly.

The thought stayed here, and he immediately breathed a sigh of relief and said, "Since you are sure, then I feel relieved." However, He Luping suddenly thought of something and took the opportunity to interrupt and ask another question while the two were talking.

"Is there an estimated time?"

“How long will it take to develop new aerospace materials?”

As soon as he finished speaking, he immediately added: "If possible, I still hope to complete the manned moon landing ahead of schedule."

There are only three years left before the moon landing is announced to the world.

As for how to bring greater shock to the world, it is undoubtedly to land on the moon as soon as possible.

It can also give people a surprise.

How could Xu Yuan not understand He Luping's thoughts? Upon hearing the voice, the corners of his mouth slightly raised and a smile appeared on his face, and then he gave a more affirmative answer.

"Do not worry."

"The research and development process won't take too long. I will then find someone to help with the research."

“Guarantee to complete the moon landing before the public time.”

"That's great." Upon hearing this, He Luping was so excited that his breathing became rapid.

He and Chen Jianfang are not very good at the field of materials. If Xu Yuan did not have experience in material research and development, they would only be able to choose to cooperate with material institutes or laboratories of domestic universities, but the specific research and development cycle could not be confirmed in advance.

Only an all-round talented scientific researcher like Xu Yuan can significantly shorten the R&D cycle.

With Xu Yuan's answer, the tense and depressing atmosphere of this discussion meeting was completely ended.

It makes the room noticeably lighter.

In the following period of time, after further discussion and confirmation of some specific aspects of the new generation of spacecraft, the meeting officially ended, and everyone quickly returned to work after leaving.

However, Xu Yuan was stopped by Chen Jianfang and He Luping on the way.

"Just now you said at the meeting that you wanted to find someone to help you develop new aerospace materials together."

"Can you find out who it is in advance?"

"Don't get me wrong. I was thinking that if I knew him, I could help persuade him to give priority to our project."

As He Luping spoke first, Chen Jianfang next to him was no longer silent.

He also took over the conversation and echoed:
"What Lao He said makes sense. Don't be too busy to hire anyone."

Anyone who can be invited by Xu Yuan to help develop aerospace materials must have a high status in the field of materials. In this case, there is basically no need to think about it, and one can guess that the projects he is responsible for must be numerous.

However, if multiple projects are carried out at the same time, it will definitely affect the research and development progress of new aerospace materials.

By then, it is possible that he would become a drag on Xu Yuan.

As astronauts, they are all eager to see the moon landing and certainly hope that projects involving aerospace materials will be given priority.

After listening to what the two said, Xu Yuan did not keep the matter in suspense.

The next second he quickly replied:

"It's Academician Zhang Jin, the dean of the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Yenching University. He specializes in the research of composite and alloy materials."

"We have worked together before, so the other party should be happy to do so."

Yes.

I still remember when Jincheng Aircraft Design Institute was preparing to carry out the research and development project of Wing Loong UAV.

The high-performance carbon fiber composite materials used in its fuselage were quickly mastered in China with the help of Academician Zhang Jin. The production capacity and performance of domestic high-performance carbon fiber composite materials even surpassed those of overseas countries.

In addition, the other party has also achieved remarkable results in alloy materials.

No matter how you look at it, it is very suitable to participate in the research and development project of new aerospace materials.

You should know that aerospace materials are not a single material. In addition to the high-temperature resistant alloy materials required for rockets and engines, the stability of the mechanical structure must also be ensured.

Especially in the complex and changeable environment of the lunar surface, the requirements for the lunar lander are even greater.

Chen Jianfang and He Luping naturally knew Zhang Jin's name, but judging from their expressions, they were obviously not very familiar with him.

Xu Yuan was not that surprised by this and could only comfort him again.

"I'll take care of the new aerospace materials. I'll go to Yenching University this afternoon."

"Then I'll have to leave it all to you." The two nodded in response.

-

Xu Yuan never drags his feet on things he decides on. After lunch, he successfully made an appointment with Dean Zhang Jin.

In the afternoon, we took a bus to Yenching University.

Because he had previously given several mathematics lectures at the Department of Mathematics at Yenching University, his popularity was not a problem at all.

For this purpose, he specially arrived at the building where the School of Materials was located before getting out of the car.

Prepare to go to Dean Zhang Jin's office.

However, even though it was only a short while, it was still noticed by several students from the School of Materials Science and Engineering nearby.

It was like a fan seeing his idol and he immediately ran over.

Even before and after I saw it, I still couldn't believe it.

"Brothers, look who that person is. It looks like Academician Xu Yuan?"

"You must have seen it wrong, even if Academician Xu came to our Yanda University, he should go to the Department of Mathematics."

“Why do I feel similar?”

"Oh my god, it really is Academician Xu."

"This is big news. Academician Xu actually came to our School of Materials Science. Could it be that he has another major project?"

"Go over quickly and say hello and ask for an autograph."

……

Facing several college students in front of him, Xu Yuan may have thought of his student days in Qinghua. After greeting them warmly, he stopped for a moment to sign autographs for them.

He doesn't have the airs of a great academician at all.

Among them, there was a boy with a more cheerful personality who even plucked up the courage to ask if there were any new projects.

Xu Yuan was neither amused nor helpless about this and could only deal with it casually.

The main manned lunar landing project is still underway. Before the date of the lunar landing is officially determined, the corresponding projects involved must be kept confidential.

Fortunately, the college student did not ask any further questions.

I just feel extremely excited and a bit helpless.

Considering that many students might be attracted here, Xu Yuan did not waste any more time and immediately turned around and went upstairs to the dean's office.

The few people who stayed there looked at Xu Yuan's back until he completely disappeared from their sight.

They couldn't help but sigh to each other.

"I originally thought that a genius like Xu Yuan would be rather aloof and difficult to get along with, but I didn't expect that he would be so calm today."

"Dean Xu is indeed easy to get along with."

"If I had known this earlier, I would have chosen Qinghua when filling out my college entrance examination application. This way, I would have been Xu Yuan's junior."

"I'm different from you guys. I was directly recommended to Yanda University."

Xu Yuan had no idea what those college students were talking about, and he walked to the floor where the dean's office was located with ease.

Seeing that the office door was not closed, he raised his hand and knocked lightly, then walked in.

Zhang Jin was sitting on a chair in the office, writing something at his desk. He raised his eyes subconsciously when he heard the noise. When he saw that it was Xu Yuan coming, he quickly stopped writing, stood up and greeted him warmly.

The smile on his face was visibly bright.

"You agreed to call me in advance when you arrive so I could go down to greet you. Why did you come up here by yourself like this?"

"Hurry up and sit down."

Upon hearing this, Xu Yuan sat down on the sofa next to him, and took over the conversation with a smile.

"As a junior, how can I ask the elders to come down to pick me up? Besides, I took the initiative to visit this time."

When Zhang Jin heard this answer, the smile on his face suddenly became wider. Then he poured a cup of tea for Xu Yuan and sat down on the sofa.

After a brief chat, he got straight to the point and started asking questions.

I was also afraid of delaying Xu Yuan's affairs.

"You didn't explain it clearly on the phone this morning. Just ask me if you have anything specific to say."

When I first started working with Xu Yuan, he was just a researcher, and he was already conducting research and development of high-performance carbon fiber composite materials.

And this was achieved despite the overseas technological blockade.

Now Xu Yuan has been selected as an academician of both the academy and the academy, and even won the country's highest science and technology award.

If they take the initiative to come to us at this time, it should be a bigger matter than the last cooperation project. It involves the country's key projects, and as scientific researchers, we must pay great attention to it.

Seeing that Zhang Jin had started talking first, Xu Yuan decided not to keep him in suspense any longer.

After organizing his words a little, he immediately began to preach:
"The manned lunar landing project is currently in full swing. As the chief designer, I am responsible for the development of a new generation of spacecraft, but there are some problems with aerospace materials that need to be upgraded."

"So I came here this time to invite Dean Zhang to participate in the research and development of new aerospace materials."

As Xu Yuan finished speaking, Zhang Jin's face became calmer, and it was obvious that he was not that surprised.

But he was a little curious about it.

Then he asked with a smile: "Research on new aerospace materials, with your ability, it should be no problem, right?"

He had a very deep impression and understanding of Xu Yuan's talent and strength in the field of materials. In his opinion, new aerospace materials were not difficult at all for Xu Yuan.

It stands to reason that even if he wasn't invited to join, it should have been completed smoothly.

"The announced moon landing date is getting closer and closer, and we must buy as much time as possible."

Xu Yuan answered truthfully after hearing this.

After hearing this, Zhang Jin quickly made a decision and stretched out his hand the next second:

"It is my honor to be personally invited by the most talented scientist in the country, so how can I refuse?"

"I'd like to join."

Since Xu Yuan did this just to save time, it means that he is confident about the research and development of new aerospace materials, and he will naturally not refuse a key project that is sure to succeed.

In response to Academician Zhang Jin's answer, Xu Yuan quickly stretched out his hand and shook hands with the other party.

I believe that with the strong combination of the two, it won’t take long for new aerospace materials to come out.

……

(End of this chapter)